THREE members of the same family locked up for a total of 36 years for a brutal attack involving a crowbar have had their sentences reduced at appeal.

Thomas Welsh, 44, his brother John, 50, and son Kieran, 22, all of Holyhead, were jailed in February 2012 after being convicted of committing grievous bodily harm with intent on Alan Haigh.

They were each given 12-year prison terms at Caernarfon Crown Court, but launched appeals against the sentences.

Their cases were heard by three senior judges at the Court of Appeal, sitting in Cardiff this week, with barristers for the three men putting forward an argument for a reduction in the jail terms.

All three had their sentences reduced to 10 years imprisonment.

Kieran Welsh also appealed his conviction but this was not upheld by the appeal court.

The attack took place in Holyhead in May 2011. Their victim was left with a broken elbow after being hit with a crowbar and kicked while on the ground in a “sustained attack”.

Thomas Welsh, of Ffordd Beibio, claimed during the four-day trial Mr Haigh had broken into his house that day dressed in camouflage clothing, wearing a balaclava and armed with a crowbar and knife.

He and brother John, known as Jackie, of no fixed abode, admitted chasing and restraining Mr Haigh but denied the attack. Kieran Welsh, of Nimrod Walk, claimed he was not at the scene – but this was not accepted by the jury.

Superintendent Nigel Harrison, of North Wales Police, said: “We fully accept and acknowledge the decision of the Appeal Court and I am pleased the seriousness of the offence and impact upon our community has once again been recognised with a substantial prison sentence.

“The communities of Holyhead and Anglesey are safer places without these individuals and will continue to be whilst they serve out the remainder of their sentence.”